A Drama Propped Up by Fanbase Loyalty, Not Quality
It’s undeniable that the drama’s initial high ratings were bolstered by the strong fanbases of Jung So Min and Jung Hae In, as well as an aggressive promotional campaign. However, beyond the hype, the series failed to sustain its appeal.
The drama was marketed as a rom-com, but it veered heavily into melodrama, losing the lighthearted charm it promised. The plot became repetitive and meandering, especially in the second half. By the time the story delved into heavy emotional themes, the pacing felt dragged and unnecessarily stretched. It would have benefited greatly from being condensed into fewer episodes.
"Love Next Door" had all the ingredients for success but ultimately fell short due to its lackluster chemistry between leads, dragged-out storyline, and failure to deliver on its rom-com premise. The only saving grace was the secondary lead couple.